Santa Claus Accused of Being a Bad Role Model!
by An Austrailian study from Monash University published in the British Medical Journal claims that Santa is a bad role model for children because he is associated with obesity, drink driving, speeding and an unhealthy lifestyle!
The report claims that countries where Santa has a high profile also have high childhood obesity. The report recognises that a clear link has not been established but it suggests that Santa’s image links obesity with cheerfulness and and a jovial disposition. It goes on to urge that Santa should diet and that children should no longer leave mince pies, biscuits, brandy, sherry or milk as snacks for Santa, instead he should share carrots and celery sticks with his reindeer. It seems to have escaped their notice that Santa has ”had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!” since Clement Clarke Moore’s poem was published in 1822, but the childhood obesity issue has only become a problem in the last 20 or 30 years. It would seem much more reasonable to blame more recent influences.
Image via Wikipedia
The report goes on to criticise Santa for driving a sleigh and suggests a more healthy form of transport such as a bike, jogging or walking. They seem to have missed a vital point – he has rather a lot to carry! The report also questions Santa’s alcohol consumption claiming that he must be guilty of drink driving because of all the refreshments that people leave out for him. Again they seem to be missing the obvious, if Santa was an ordinary man he couldn’t possibly consume that much and even if he tried to do so, most of the night would be taken up with bathroom breaks! They have not accounted for that very special Christmas magic that Children understand so well.
Not content with drink driving the researchers also blame Santa for speeding, dangerous driving (jumping from roof to roof etc) and for not wearing a helmet or seat belt. The report doesn’t mention it but Santa almost certainly breaks the European working time regulations as well, but it really doesn’t matter because unlike the authors of the report, children have no problem understanding the difference between magic and real life!
Image via Wikipedia
Even department store Santas come in for criticism, the report blames them for sneezing or coughing at least ten times per day and potentially spreading swine flu. Everyone has the potential to spread swine flu, people on buses, school teachers, anyone; so it is unfair to suggest that Santa is any greater risk to a child’s health than anyone else.
It seems very sad that the authors of the report have completely missed the magic of Christmas, I hope they find it one day. Meanwhile I wish them a very happy new year and I hope they will find something more useful to apply their minds to next year!
Liked it
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Post Commentdiamondpoet
On December 17, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Instead of ho, ho, ho, I have to say ha, ha, ha, very funny piece, I really enjoyed and you made valid point and provided humor at the same time. Great job.
Anuradha Ramkumar
On December 17, 2009 at 12:49 pm
A very valid point. I loved reading your article.
Authoress Terry E. Lyle
On December 17, 2009 at 1:07 pm
What an enjoyable article to read.
Sharif Ishnin
On December 17, 2009 at 2:11 pm
It’s a health conscious society today. So I guess even Santa is not spared. An enjoyable article.;)
Christine Ramsay
On December 17, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Oh my goodness! Is nothing sacred any more? Santa is magical. He wouldn’t be the same if he was stick thin and miserable. A great article.
Christine
LoveDoctor
On December 17, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Very creative story regardless. But yes, they have totally missed the point. Santa is supposed to be about magic.
Glynis Smy
On December 17, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Pleeeezzzzzzzz, the world is looking to blame everyone for over-eating, and spoiling children too much between meals. Poor, dear Santa.
lillyrose
On December 17, 2009 at 3:34 pm
why can’t these people just get a life! great write from you x
Ruby Hawk
On December 17, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Oh my, all these nay sayers, first it was halloween, now its our kind old Santa Claus, Where will it end? When all the kids fun is taken away.
jengriver
On December 17, 2009 at 11:05 pm
Nicely written!But for me Santa Claus had been introduced years ago to divert the real meaning of Christmas. Hope we should not forget that this special event is for our Lord Jesus Christ alone.
mkd1788
On December 18, 2009 at 1:04 am
i am agree with you…good post
Val Mills
On December 18, 2009 at 3:38 am
I still believe in the magic of Christmas.
jaysonv
On December 18, 2009 at 10:46 am
wow..nice post.. very interesting.
CA Johnson
On December 18, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Very good article. I have never heard of this. I can’t believe that Santa could be considered a bad role model.